Glamping Up Your Caravan Holiday

Once upon a time caravanning and camping were considered the poor man’s holiday; a budget option for those who couldn’t afford comfortable hotels or a holiday abroad.

However, times change, and in the case of caravanning and camping they really change. One such modernisation of the camping theme is epitomised with the advent of the ‘glamping’ revolution – a word which describes types of glamorous camping.

Of course there are still the options for the rugged purist camper or caravanner, but glamping offers choices for those who want the benefits of holidaying in the outdoors but don’t want to compromise on comfort or convenience.

In some cases glamping doesn’t just offer alternatives to traditional camping and caravanning hardships but actually gives a level of luxury more usually associated with expensive 5 star hotels and resorts.

So, whether you are a veteran caravanner or completely new to caravanning, the following tips and information may help fire up your imagination for planning a caravan-themed family holiday, romantic break or honeymoon getaway with a difference.

Gypsy or Romany Caravans

There are many companies that offer holiday makers a chance to stay in an authentic gypsy caravan and these range from intimate, nostalgic and cosy to those which offer luxurious soft furnishings and opulent fittings and fixtures.

Two example companies which bring this choice to the market are Gypsy Caravan Breaks (Somerset) and Middleton Farm (Devon), but there are many more located in various parts of the UK.

Airstream Caravans

If one of the things that puts you off caravanning is the cramped living space then consider an airstream caravan.

Originating in the United States, these aluminum airstream caravans (known as trailers) were intended as luxury vehicles even in the 1930s when they began. Easily recognised by their curvy, silver bodies, airstream trailers have become popular in the UK and are being offered as a glamorous holiday experience.

One company, the quirky Airstream and Retro Trailer Park in the Pyrenees region in France, have gone a step further. This whole park, run by ex-circus performers and described as ‘trailer flash’, is airstream themed with a twist; each of the trailers for hire has been fitted out with a specific decade theme from the 1940s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. Disco balls, thick shag pile carpets and stacks of vinyl records to play on a record player are just a tiny selection of what you could find in your trailer.

The park was also voted by The Times as ‘the coolest caravan site in France’.

Boutique, Retro and Classic Caravans

Although in some instances these caravans for hire can be quite compact, they are still fitted out in such a way to make them plush, ritzy and definitely entitle them to inclusion in the glamping category.

Check out Lovelane Caravans situated in Cornwall, where the classic caravans for hire emphasize fun holiday accommodation overflowing with cosiness and comfort but with an old-fashioned twist.

Sawday’s Canopy and Stars are another favourite offering a vast range of glamping hire options and include a wide choice besides caravans.

Luxury Static Caravans

The static caravan industry have also started offering up-market luxury options in an effort to grab themselves a piece of the glamping market pie. These options are a far cry from the generically furnished static holiday caravan you may be familiar with. Extra thick carpets, extra large beds draped with silks and brocades, luxurious furniture and sumptuous soft furnishings, dish-washers and wall mounted state-of-the-art TVs throughout are just some of the added extras on offer.

However you may have to do your homework carefully on this one. ‘Luxury’ is a word bandied about a little too readily at times and not all statics described as luxury will fit the description offered here.

Glamping Jamborees and Festivals

For those who want to join in the glamping fun but already have their own caravan then there are a few options dotted around the UK. One of these is at Blackmore Vale Caravan Park in Dorset where an annual glamping jamboree is held (2012: 24th-27th August).

Hire one of the site’s own glamping options (fully equipped bell-tents, yurts, tipis, airstream trailers, retro caravans) or bring your own unit. The atmosphere is that of an English country fayre with cricket, cream teas and barbecues.

The Holiday Park Option

Glamping is becoming so popular that even some of the larger, well-established companies such as Haven Holidays and Thomson are getting in on the action, obviously anxious to keep up with the holiday consumer trends. See big travel providers such as Thompson and Haven for further details of what’s on offer under the glamping umbrella.

Glamping Up Your Own Caravan

Of course it is possible to glamp up your own, existing unit adding luxurious touches here and there to make your caravan not just a home-from-home but a five star experience. Many of the modern caravans are already equipped with many home comforts and conveniences from sophisticated TV and sound systems to air-con and high quality fittings. If these don’t come as standard then have a browse around the caravan accessory stores to see what’s on offer – everything you could possibly imagine and many things your wildest dreams may never have conjured up besides – the choices today are incredible.

Many of the options above offer, as previously mentioned, a 5 star experience and in some cases something beyond. However, be aware that they often carry price tags to match and although there are bargains to be found out there, some options will set you back hundreds of pounds for a one or two night stay.

And for those looking to go on a glamping holiday, our top suggestion is to head over to Go Glamping, a website dedicated to luxury camping around the globe!